BP Highway reconstruction to cost Rs 9.66 billion

KATHMANDU: The repair of several sections of the BP Highway, which were affected by landslides in the last week of September 2024, is projected to cost around Rs 9.66 billion.

A study conducted after the floods indicates that a significant amount of funding will be needed for the restoration work.

A post-flood study reveals that a substantial amount of money will be required for the reconstruction.

According to the Divisional Road Office in Bhaktapur, this estimate covers the reconstruction of several locations along the BP Highway, from Bhakunde to Nepalthok.

Out of a 12-kilometer stretch of the highway from Chowkidanda in Namobuddha, Kavrepalanchok, to Kaldhunga in Roshi Rural Municipality, eight kilometers were severely damaged.

Senior Divisional Engineer Suman Yogesh, head of the office, stated that the study recommends the installation of three types of walls: RCC retaining walls, plum walls, and gabion walls.

"Although the study suggests building bridges first in some areas, a final decision will be made after further discussions on whether to build bridges or walls," he explained.

According to him, RCC walls are recommended in areas prone to river flooding, while plum and gabion walls should be used in other locations.

The office is currently awaiting confirmation of funding for the road's reconstruction.

"The study for the road section's reconstruction has been completed, but the source of the funding has not been secured. Once we receive confirmation from the donor agency and the Government of Nepal, we will proceed with the contract process," he said.

In October last year, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, conducted a study on the collapsed section of the highway.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli discussed the reconstruction with Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, Kikuta Yutaka.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has already requested assistance from JICA for the reconstruction, and they are awaiting JICA's report and response.

Keshav Kumar Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry, stated that preparations are underway to request funds from the Disaster Management Fund of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

Furthermore, the ministry is working on plans to reconstruct the highway with concessional loans from donor agencies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank.